Bottom Line:
Other genotypes (B2, D5, D8, D9, G2, and H1) were only found in limited numbers of cases after importation from other continents.The transmission chains of several indigenous MV strains may thus have been interrupted by enhanced vaccination.Thus, despite the reduction of endemic MV circulation, importation of MV from other continents caused prolonged circulation and large outbreaks after their introduction into unvaccinated and highly mobile communities.

ABSTRACTDuring 2005-2006, nine measles virus (MV) genotypes were identified throughout the World Health Organization European Region. All major epidemics were associated with genotypes D4, D6, and B3. Other genotypes (B2, D5, D8, D9, G2, and H1) were only found in limited numbers of cases after importation from other continents. The genetic diversity of endemic D6 strains was low; genotypes C2 and D7, circulating in Europe until recent years, were no longer identified. The transmission chains of several indigenous MV strains may thus have been interrupted by enhanced vaccination. However, multiple importations from Africa and Asia and virus introduction into highly mobile and unvaccinated communities caused a massive spread of D4 and B3 strains throughout much of the region. Thus, despite the reduction of endemic MV circulation, importation of MV from other continents caused prolonged circulation and large outbreaks after their introduction into unvaccinated and highly mobile communities.

Figure 4: Genotype B3 variants identified in Europe during 2005â€“2006 and some closely related strains identified on other continents (in italics). Tree calculation and measles virus nomenclature are as delineated in Figure 1.

Mentions:
During 2005â€“2006, B3 strains were reported from 8 European countries, in association with outbreaks of various sizes. The maximum genetic distance between the corresponding viruses was 13 nt (2.9%) (Figure 4).

Figure 4: Genotype B3 variants identified in Europe during 2005â€“2006 and some closely related strains identified on other continents (in italics). Tree calculation and measles virus nomenclature are as delineated in Figure 1.

Mentions:
During 2005â€“2006, B3 strains were reported from 8 European countries, in association with outbreaks of various sizes. The maximum genetic distance between the corresponding viruses was 13 nt (2.9%) (Figure 4).

Bottom Line:
Other genotypes (B2, D5, D8, D9, G2, and H1) were only found in limited numbers of cases after importation from other continents.The transmission chains of several indigenous MV strains may thus have been interrupted by enhanced vaccination.Thus, despite the reduction of endemic MV circulation, importation of MV from other continents caused prolonged circulation and large outbreaks after their introduction into unvaccinated and highly mobile communities.

ABSTRACTDuring 2005-2006, nine measles virus (MV) genotypes were identified throughout the World Health Organization European Region. All major epidemics were associated with genotypes D4, D6, and B3. Other genotypes (B2, D5, D8, D9, G2, and H1) were only found in limited numbers of cases after importation from other continents. The genetic diversity of endemic D6 strains was low; genotypes C2 and D7, circulating in Europe until recent years, were no longer identified. The transmission chains of several indigenous MV strains may thus have been interrupted by enhanced vaccination. However, multiple importations from Africa and Asia and virus introduction into highly mobile and unvaccinated communities caused a massive spread of D4 and B3 strains throughout much of the region. Thus, despite the reduction of endemic MV circulation, importation of MV from other continents caused prolonged circulation and large outbreaks after their introduction into unvaccinated and highly mobile communities.